Troops arrest three suspected ISWAP recruitment agents in Banki

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested three suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) recruitment agents in Banki town, Borno State.

Sources told the Zagazola Makama that the suspects were arrested on Jan. 17 following a tip-off from the Banki District Head.

The sources said intelligence operatives were deployed to Banki on a covert operation, where they apprehended the suspects while attempting to recruit and move youths for terrorist training.

“They were identified as Gajibo Kayama, 23; Tahiru Modu, 22; and Bulama Modu, 24. They are suspected to be involved in the recruitment of youths aged between 17 and 20 from Banki town for ISWAP elements operating in Adamawa State,” the source said.

According to preliminary investigations, the suspects were former ISWAP members who claimed to have repented about five years ago but were allegedly re-engaging in recruitment activities.

“They were arrested while trying to recruit and convey youths within Banki town for training in Adamawa State,” the source added.

The suspects have since been handed over to Military Intelligence Regiment for detailed interrogation and further action.

Troops arrest three suspected ISWAP recruitment agents in Banki

Gunmen attack churches, abduct unspecified number of worshippers in Kajuru, Kaduna

By: Zagazola Makama

Bandits have attacked two churches in Kurmin Wali, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, and abducted an unspecified number of worshippers.

A reliable source told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred on Jan. 18 at about 11:25 a.m., when the assailants, armed with sophisticated weapons, stormed the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) and Cherubim and Seraphim Church II in the community.

The source said the exact number of worshippers taken to an unknown destination was yet to be ascertained as the community was still gathering details.

Kurmin Wali, he noted, is located in a remote, forested area with difficult terrain, which has complicated immediate access to the scene.

Following the incident, troops of 1 Division and other security forces were mobilised in collaboration with community stakeholders to the area, while concerted efforts were intensified to rescue the victims and apprehend the perpetrators.

Gunmen attack churches, abduct unspecified number of worshippers in Kajuru, Kaduna

Police rescue two abducted victims in Gusau, search for others continues

By: Zagazola Makama

Police in Zamfara State have rescued two victims abducted by suspected bandits during a midnight attack on a residence in Gusau Local Government Area.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 1:20 a.m. on Sunday at Igala Quarters, Damba area of Gusau, when a group of armed men stormed the house of one Nasiru Kurya and fired sporadically before abducting his wife, Surayya Nasiru, 30, and two other persons.

“On receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) mobilised his men to the scene and confirmed the incident. A search operation was immediately launched across the area,” the source said.

He explained that during the combing of the vicinity and adjoining routes, the police rescued two of the abducted victims identified as Nura Sani, 23, and Abdulgafar Hassan Buba, 23, unhurt.

The source added that the rescued victims were taken to the Ahmed Sani Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital, Gusau, for medical checks and further care.

According to him, efforts are in top gear to rescue the remaining abducted victim from the hands of the bandits and bring the perpetrators to justice.

He urged residents to remain calm and continue to support security agencies with timely and credible information to aid ongoing operations.

Police rescue two abducted victims in Gusau, search for others continues